English literature students develop outstanding abilities in the analysis, interpretation and evaluation of texts and ideas across varied genres from a range of eras. By building on GCSE skills and knowledge, English literature students become adept at constructing profound, convincing written and verbal arguments, responses and interpretations. You will read a range of wonderful, thought-provoking texts (both modern and classic) which you will explore in the lively, thoughtful atmosphere of the classroom, where you will have the opportunity to construct and debate your interpretation and those of your classmates and teachers. Furthermore, you will investigate the ways in which historical context shapes and influences the creation of literary texts as well as public reception of those texts. Because of the unrivalled grounding in critical analysis, interpretation and evaluation, this course also has an excellent record of helping students move into (and flourish within) higher education and the workplace. English literature students will gain a range of powerful skills and knowledge. At A level we explore inspiring texts within their own contexts of time, place and the ideas they present. We examine how writers have portrayed certain ideas over time, and we discuss how and if attitudes have changed. Year 12 • War I and its Aftermath: ‘Birdsong’, ‘The Wipers Times’, the poetry of Wilfred Owen, unseen prose • Non-examination assessment (coursework): Comparison of ‘The Kite Runner’ and your choice of pre1900 text Year 13 *Love through the Ages: ‘The Great Gatsby’, ‘Othello’, poetry anthology, unseen poetry While these modules present the contrasting ideas of love and war, there is great freedom within the coursework unit, and students can choose their own text and construct an individual question to reflect their personal interests.